Am I too old to be doing this?

[Badjuju2379]

Hello. I am 33 y.o. male and a structural engineering graduate student. I am somewhat of a career changer; I have my undergrad in mathematics. Prior to starting my engineering studies, I occupied a couple occupations: Soldier, Mail Man, HS Teacher, Fed. Employee, and State Employee. I am using the post 9-11 Montgomery GI bill to finance my education.

Do you think I will face age discrimination once I enter the work force at age 35.5? I will have no real job experience. I hope to have interned at least one summer and passed the EIT. In the deep recesses of my mind I guess I am questioning the reasonableness of what I am doing. I could keep my state job with California and work my way up the life sucking bureaucracy; I'd rather let someone eat my face.

 

[FeX32]

Definitely not too old. Consider those that get many graduate degrees and then do a post doc as well. Without stopping this would land you somewhere between 28 and 30 (depending how long the PhD takes you). However, many I have seen are 32-37. So no worries.
Most important thing is that you enjoy your work. Period.


Fe (IronX32)

 

[IRstuff]

No problem on our end. I think what will turn people off is not your age, since we obviously hire and retain old geezers like myself; what will turn a company off is the rather aimless career that you have had in the last 12 years or so. Your biggest issue will be to convince your future employer that you're in it for the long haul.

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[patprimmer]

Real and varied work experience as well as the degree puts you at an advantage, not a disadvantage from where I sit. Only problem is your required salarie might be to high for your experience in that roll.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &

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for site rules

 

[jgailla]

I have a good friend who did not get his engineering degree until age 36. He had no trouble getting a job, although this was in 2004.
Most people I know would gladly hire someone older with real work experience as pat says. There is a perception that younger people tend to be lazier and flightier. In a general sense, I think this is true, although there are many exceptions to the rule.
Pat also makes a good point about salary. The extra experience will not mean much, if any, extra money as compared to a new graduate.
My friend eventually got an MBA and moved into IT management at an insurance company at age 44, which was his first job in that field as well.

 

[Ron]

Agree with the others...shouldn't be a big deal. You note that you have military experience. That often goes a long way toward getting your foot in the door, particularly if you were a commissioned officer. Enlisted ranks above E-5 also have less problem as they've shown leadership potential.

It appears that all of your jobs thus far have been public sector. You might want to start there again.

 

[MatthewL]

Badjuju,

I took a similar rout myself. Nearly finished my education degree (chemistry) in the early 90's when I realized I didn't want to be teaching high school students. Got a (good) job in telecommunications as a technician, worked there 10 years, but realized that I wasn't doing what I wanted to. Went back to night school for ChemE, finished in 3 years with my BS (at 35), and started looking for a job in my field. I had two offers within a month of graduating, and took the second. It was difficult losing my vacation (dummy me forgot to fight for the extra weeks vacation during the negotiations), but I was able to keep at a similar pay level, albeit without the OT potential. If you haven't seen it yet in the forums, it seems like most of us work ~50+ hours per week for what is ostensibly a 40 hour a week job. I haven't seen any engineers at the two plants I have worked at that did less than 45 per week, and most do much more. But, if you have found your niche, it makes all the difference in the world.

Regards,

Matt

Quality, quantity, cost. Pick two.

 

[Jboggs]

It all boils down to one question, and the question is about you not your employer: Do you enjoy the work? If you are fascinated by the work you will find a way to do it. If you aren't, you will find a way to avoid it. Yeah, there are details and complications but, like water finding its own level, the truth of your passion in life will find a way through all the mess.

As for my opinion about your current question: I've been in the field for over 30 years, so I have some experience with this. All other things being equal I would hire you over a younger competitor just so I wouldn't have to deal with the immaturity that always comes with youth. After you were hired, I would be able to quickly tell if you belonged in the field, and I would tell you.

 

[tz101]

I do not see discrimination at 35-36 years of age for you at all. Just do not wait until your late 40's to early 50's, or that will most likely be the case.

I have worked for 20-some years in mechanical engineering and design roles, but the crazy turnstyle that it has been the past 5-10 years made me go back for a degree in Business Administration. Unfortunately, I am in my mid 40's and fear the same thing you spoke of, age discrimination, when I do achieve my degree early next year. Oh, well, it's all in the Lord's hands.

 

[pmover]

FWIW, i was 32 when i finished college and started work professionally. there was no sign of age discrimination whatsoever; then again, that was in 1989. i never thought it existed until i finally witnessed it about 2-years ago. believe me, i have no regards/respect for those that do practice age discrimination. i think they are doing a great dis-service to themselves and to company. it takes a long time to train new employees and retain them, if that is possible. bean counters could care less.

 

[fng3]

I agree with the others that age may not be the big factor you think, rather, it is what you want to do that is. At 47 I changed careers, took a 50% pay cut, went back to school and will complete my degree this month. It hasn't been easy and I should have started doing this much sooner but I have a feeling I'll be around for a long time yet and may yet have the type of success I would like to have. Take heart, and do what you feel is the right thing to do.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

If you think you are - THEN you are. IF you think NOT - then you are not!!

My philosophy. If George Bush is dumb enough or brave enough to parachute out of a perfectly functioning aircraft at age 85 .......